Entering his second season as the quarterbacks coach for Valdosta State football, Justin Roper is no stranger to what it takes to succeed as a quarterback on the collegiate level. After all, Roper played at a pair of NCAA Division I's top programs.
Roper joined the Blazer coaching staff after serving as the running back coach for fellow NCAA Division II member Findlay in 2013. In his one year at Findlay, Roper coached Daiquone Ford to All-America honors while helping the sophomore to 1,789 yards and a school record 24 rushing touchdowns. Under Roper's tutelage, Ford was named a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy.
During his first year at VSU, Roper helped lead the Blazers to a 10-3 record, their best since the 2012 National Championship season. In addition, he helped direct the Blazers to the Super Region 2 contest in the NCAA Division II football playoffs.
Prior to his coaching days, Roper played three seasons for Oregon before finishing his career at Montana. In his three years at Oregon, Roper played in 22 games and passed for 1,903 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 138 yards and two scores with the Ducks. During his red-shirt freshman season in 2007, Roper tied a Sun Bowl record with four touchdown passes in a 56-21 win over South Florida.
Roper transferred to Montana as a senior in 2010 and played in 11 games, during which he passed for 1,885 yards and 19 touchdowns. That same season, he completed 171-of-278 passes and rushed for 120 yards and two additional scores.
Prior to joining the Oregon football team, Roper was a standout at Buford High School in Buford, Ga. As a senior at Buford, Roper was named All-Region and was ranked as one of the top 30 quarterbacks in the nation. He led the Wolves to a 12-1 record in his final season and passed for 1,423 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also started as a junior and led Buford to a 13-2 record.
